Too many people view leadership as perks and privilege rather than duty and responsibility.   I recently watched Simon Sinek’s TED talk,  Why good leaders make you feel safe.   He starts his talk by relating the story of Army Capt. William Swenson who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in one of the most hard-fought battles of the Afghan war – in Ganjgal Valley in Kunar Province on Sept. 8, 2009.  As Sinek told this story he asked, “What causes people to sacrifice and care for people like this.”   I was arrested by his statement,

In the military they give medals to people who are willing to sacrifice so that others may gain; in business we give bonuses to people who are willing sacrifice others so that we may gain . . . we have it backwards.

Do we realize that leadership involves sacrifice, putting others before our own needs.  I remember this from my days in the service in that we first always took care of our men.  We lived by the principle that “the officers eat last.”  We made sure our men were cared for and only then did we consider our needs.

Actually this is nothing new – this is Jesus’ model of leadership.  Jesus taught his disciples that their view of leadership was different from the world’s view of leadership.  When His disciples inquired about leadership Jesus responded,

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.  (Mark 10:45)

You may be wondering, “Can I learn to lead like Jesus?”  The good news is you can if you’re willing to sacrifice.  And if you want to learn how to be a better leader I want to encourage you to make time for the Global Leadership Summit, August 14-15 2014.  It will be an investment well worth your time and expense.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5